Spirit of Faith

This Weekend at FCC

2008-03-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

We have an exciting weekend planned at FCC!

NIGHTWATCH
Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm

The Nightwatch worship team will continue our monthly Nightwatch worship service this weekend. Come and join members of FCC as well as other brothers and sisters in Christ from the community for a time of music, Sprit-led worship, and ministry through prayer and sharing of life's many joys and struggles. The service will begin at 7:30, and we hope to see each of you able to come and worship our Creator.

MISSIONS POTLUCK
Saturday, March 8 at 6pm

Join us as we eat, fellowship, and celebrate the Gospel going out to the nations. Missions booths will be set up, and we will hear updates about our missionaries. Please bring at least one dish (main, salad, or dessert) to share.

MISSIONS SUNDAY
Sunday, March 9 at 10am and 6pm

Join us Sunday, as Dan Nicholas shares at our morning service and Bernie Bovenkamp of Starfish Ministries shares in the evening.

Lina Update: God is on the Move!

2008-03-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

First off I want to thank everyone who has been praying for this situation. We have been so blessed to be a part of this church family. The prayers and encouragement have been amazing. Thank you very much.

In the last update Pastor Phil wrote about the problems that we were encountering with the Lithuanian Government. Their laws forbid adoptions if the adoptive parents are not at least 18 years older than the child. Michele is 17 years and 9 months older than Lina. There is no legal precedent for an exception to this law and our application was officially denied. We then asked, when she turns 15 and is no longer allowed to stay in the orphanage could we then adopt her? Again, the Lithuanian officials said no. At that point it seemed like this was a done deal and that God must have something else in mind with this situation.

Bethany, our adoption service, even offered to refund the monies that we had already applied to our account. We talked and prayed about it and said that we didn’t want our money back and that we didn’t believe that this was over yet. Pastor Phil wrote the last update and people began to pray. Prayer truly is a powerful privilege. Around two weeks later we heard back from Bethany that they had continued to advocate for us and that the Lithuanian officials had agreed that we could send some additional information and they would further consider the situation. Bethany was quick to caution us that this was slim hope and that there is still no legal precedent for an exception to the law. What some saw as slim hope we saw as God working on hearts and minds. We were thrilled with this small crack, this glimmer of hope, because we could see the potential for God to expand that crack into a fissure we could walk through and put that wall behind us.

Bethany was quick to caution us that this was slim hope. . . . We were thrilled with this small crack, this glimmer of hope, because we could see the potential for God . . .

We gathered letters of recommendation, commitments of support from our families, and the youth of FCC wrote letters of support for us and that they would accept Lina into the youth group with open arms. We also included a photo book of us and where we live. We sent it off and waited and prayed. It was about a month later when we heard from Bethany that the Lithuanian officials were very impressed and that they would support us. But there was still the legal issue. Bethany sent a lawyer to speak to the “Head Judge.” He reported back and said that the judge would not make a ruling because it was not in front of him in court yet but that when it is he will make a ruling in our favor. In this case the judge is willing to make a legal precedent for an exception to the law. Although not a done deal yet, God took that crack in the wall and ripped it wide open. Foreign government officials changing their minds after saying no twice. Judges agreeing to make exceptions to the laws. God truly can do anything. With the prayer and support of you, our church family, we are continuing to wade through the paperwork and the processes.

I also want to share some of the other events that I believe are directly related. Just as God is working in our favor I believe that satan has been working against us. I also believe that opposition can be a good indicator that we are on the path God has set for us. Although it is not always the case that bad things are the work satan, he is active. It’s much easier to explain away spiritual events as bad luck or coincidence. But if we can see satan’s attacks for what they are then it is possible to take encouragement from negative events and rejoice in our sufferings. From the very beginning of this process all our big triumphs have been preceded or closely followed by some serious negatives.

Above, I talked about two big positive events. The first being that small glimmer of hope allowing us to send more information and have our application re-evaluated. That news arrived on a Tuesday morning. The day before while driving to work I believe satan dropped a tree branch on my car. I was driving around 50mph. The branch hit on the right side of the hood, smashing it in then shattering the windshield. The passenger side window exploded showering me with glass and the door was a total loss. The engine ran for around 30 more seconds then died. The last thing I needed was a 2K-repair bill when all our extra money was going to adoption fees. Oh well. I now drive a green jetta with a white passenger door and a pounded out hood. The rest of the repairs can wait. Satan had succeeded in dampening our spirits but God came back with great encouragement the very next morning.

The second big triumph was when God worked on the hearts of the Lithuanian officials and they gave us their approval. This was followed the very next day with an email from my company stating that if I didn’t keep my work hours at 40 hours per week that I would be considered part time and I would lose my benefits. That includes medical, dental, vision, sick leave, paid holidays, and long term disability insurance. The reason that my hours were being reviewed was because when we had gone to Guatemala for a short-term mission trip I didn’t have enough vacation time built up so I used un-paid time off. That un-paid time off lowered my cumulative average below 40 hrs/wk. I always work 40 hrs normally but I explained that we will need to go to Lithuania twice this year for two weeks each trip for the adoption. I was told that all that un-paid time off would cost me my benefits anyway. So I told them that they could keep their benefits and I found private medical coverage for Michele and I that we can add Lina to when she arrives.

God took that crack in the wall and ripped it wide open. Foreign government officials changing their minds after saying no twice. Judges agreeing to make exceptions to the laws. God truly can do anything.

Taken by themselves these events may have just been random but looking back and seeing the patterns I feel confident that we are doing what God wants us to be doing, partly because we are drawing fire from the enemy. I don’t mean to say that we should read something spiritual into every event but like I said earlier if we can identify spiritual attacks then we can draw encouragement and joy from our sufferings because we know that satan is trying to prevent us from doing God’s work.

We are more committed to seeing this through than ever. With your continued prayers we can deal with whatever comes and see to it that God’s will is done. Thanks again, and may God Bless you.

from KC Houston

Total Money Makeover

2008-03-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

How are your New Year's resolutions going? Are you now 20lbs. lighter, reading your Bible every morning, and out of debt?

If not, FCC might be able to help you (at least with getting out of debt). Total Money Makeover is being offered to everyone who would like to learn what the Bible says about finances and to give you practical advice and help with your individual finances.

Is it scriptural to go into debt? To use credit cards? Should I co-sign a note if asked? Is it wise to lease a car? How can I know if I'll have enough for retirement? Should I save for retirement first or put money into my kids' college fund instead? In these scary financial times we have many questions. We don't know what's going to happen to the price of gas or food or if we'll still have a job? So, what should I do?Come to Sunday school!!

Bible verses will be discussed. C.D.'s by author & radio host Dave Ramsey will be shown on many subjects: tips on saving, cash flow planning, buying bargains, dumping debt, investments, insurance, and more. Forms will be passed out to help you create and implement your own personal spending plan.

Is debt causing you concern about your financial future? Are financial pressures affecting your marriage? This class is designed to help you come up with a workable plan and to help hold you accountable to follow that plan.

If we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, He will be faithful to see that our needs are met, but we must avail ourselves of the wisdom found in Scripture and follow it. It is very difficult to modify behavior. Just look at how tough it is to lose weight. But meeting with others and realizing “I'm not the only one in trouble” is an excellent way to start making changes in our financial habits.

Join Steve Greenhaw beginning Sunday, March 30 at 9:00am in the Fireside room where we will learn together how to begin to remove the financial chains that are enslaving us.

from Steve Greenhaw

The Beatitudes

2008-03-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, my folks took my wife and me to brunch after our Sunday Morning Worship Service. While drinking coffee after placing our orders, my mom asked, "What are you going to teach in Sunday School next quarter?"

"I'm thinking the Beatitudes," I said. "I sense the Spirit leading me to teach something that will complement the messages Pastor Tim's been preaching, and I think this might be it. But I want to ask Tim before I decide and get his input.

When I saw Tim on Monday morning, I started, "I'd like to get some advice from you about Sunday School." And I was ready to explain what I was thinking and why and how things might work together.

But before I got a chance, Tim interrupted. "I think you should teach on the Beatitudes," he said.

My intitial reactions was, "Did we already talk about this?" We hadn't. Then I wondered, "Did Dad or Mom or Debbie say anything to him?" They hadn't. So where did Tim come up with the Beatitudes?

Apparently from the same source I got it. And I took that as confirmation.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones, in his Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, calls the Beatitudes "the essential, utter difference between the Christian and the non-Christian." And that's how we'll approach them.

What does it mean to say that these short, straightforward statements of Christ are "essential"? It means that they define the very essense of Christian character. They aren't just a side-effect of being a Christian, a spiritual tendency among those who claim Christ. Nor are they merely a possiblity, something that we might manage to grow into as we mature in the Faith. No, the Beatitudes define the true believer at his core from the moment he is born again. They are essential.

What does it mean to say the Beatitudes are the "utter difference"? It means that they define the complete and total disparity between those who belong to Christ and those who belong to the world. There is no overlap. Once you understand what Christ meant by these statements, you cannot say, "The non-Christian may be somewhat poor is spirit, but the Christian is more so." No, the natural man is fundamentally opposed to the character expressed in the Beatitudes, while the born-again man is defined by it. It is an utter difference.

We'll look at each of the Beatitudes in detail. We'll strive to understand the character that Jesus Himself ascribed to true disciples. And we'll examine ourselves in light of God's revelation to determine if we are truly blessed as those defined by Christ's words.

The new Sunday School quarter begins on March 30, and Philip's class will meet at 9:00am in room one of the Education Building (the building immediately north of the main building).

Study Psalm 119 and Love God's Word

2008-03-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

I recently encountered a passage from a sermon delivered more than a century ago, in 1888, by the "Prince of Preachers," Charles Spurgeon:

Beloved, what a peace the love of the Word brings to the heart! All hearts require an object of love. How many hearts have been broken because the thing beloved has disappointed them and proved false to their hopes? But when you love God’s Word, your love is not wasted upon an unworthy object. It introduces you to Christ and you love Him intensely, and however much you yield your heart to Him, you are always safe. Jesus is never a Judas to His friends. Jesus cannot be loved too well and hence the heart has great peace when it comes to Him.

The title of the sermon was "The Lover of God's Law is Filled with Peace" (the whole sermon is here), and it takes as its text Psalm 119:165.

Have you ever been hurt or disappointed by someone or something you loved? It's bound to happen; most of the people and things we love are imperfect and flawed. But if you want to learn to love something that will never fail--the Word of God--join Gale Phillips for Bible School each Sunday Morning as he continues his study through Psalm 119, the same psalm that inspired Charles Spurgeon.

The new Bible School quarter begins on March 30, and Gale's class will meet at 9:00am in room three of the Education Building (the building immediately north of the main building).

NIGHTWATCH: Feb. 8th @ 7:30

2008-02-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

On Friday evening Feb. 8th, the Nightwatch worship team is going to be starting up the monthly Nightwatch worship service again. Come and join members of FCC as well as other brothers and sisters in Christ from the community for a time of music, sprit led worship, and ministry through prayer and sharing of life's many joys and struggles. The service will begin at 7:30, and we hope to see each of you able to come and worship our Creator.

Featured Ministry

2007-12-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

The purpose of Faith Community Church is "to equip the saints for the work of ministry" (Ephesians 4:14). In other words, the Church's job is to train the saints--the saints' job is to represent Christ to the world. Several saints at FCC (Martin and Juanita Verbree, Chelsie Miller, Julie Schiffman, Jen Witman, and Rachel Hernes) as well as others in the community take their roles ministering to the world seriously and accomplish this, in part, through their work at Great Expectations.

Great Expectations is a home for expectant women! They offer Love, understanding, and a place to stay during a crisis pregnancy. It is their goal to minister to the immediate needs of each young woman that comes to our home, along with equipping her with the tools she will need to lead a productive, independent life. Whether she chooses adoption or parenthood, the Great Expectation staff will strive to educate her to make the best possible decision for her child. (adapted from the Great Expectations mission statement)

To learn more about Great Expectations our their parent ministry, Lynden Human Life and the services they offer, visit their website.

Seven Questions with Judah Mooney

2007-12-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

Many of us know Judah Mooney as the quick-processing translator who has managed to keep pace with some of the rapid speaking men who've preached at Faith Community Church: our own Pastor Tim; Pastor Tony of Jubilee Christian Fellowship (the Samoan Church); and Chris Mooney, a missionary in Guatemala and Judah's dad. Other's know Judah as a Bible Study leader, a youth sponsor, and even a preacher in his own right. But there's another calling on Judah's life, an extremely important one. And it's this calling that is the subject of this edition of Seven Questions.

Judah is preparing to move to Paraguay in South America where he will work with the Cities of the World ministry of Campus Crusade, Canada. He will be based in Asuncion, the nation's capital, with the goal of reaching this city with the Gospel of Christ.

Question One: What was it like to grow up on the mission field in Guatemala?

I believe that I was blessed to have had such a great opportunity to be raised ten years in Mexico and nine in Guatemala. In fact, I can’t imagine myself growing up anywhere else. Spanish was the first language I learned at the orphanage my parents ran, and I grew up essentially being Latin in the way I talked and acted.

I have yet to learn the extent of what “the price to pay” means, but every day I wake up and pray that I will be willing to pay the price for one person to come to Christ.

My dad always encouraged us kids to be part of the ministry. In fact, he always believed that the youth programs that I ran were just as important to our ministry as what he did. When I was 12, my dad put my first message into my hands and explained how I was going to teach a small group at our church that week! It was through these experiences that I believe God equipped me with the tools necessary to be a missionary. More importantly, it was in Guatemala that I learned how God could use me to win people to Jesus. Whether I was sharing Christ while giving out wheel-chairs, doing school evangelism, giving out food to the poor, translating for mission teams, or running the camps for the disabled, I learned that God could use me to make a difference in people lives.

Question Two: When did you sense the Spirit calling you personally to missions?

One day when I was 15 years old, I was riding a chicken bus back from Guatemala City where we had finished with some school evangelism. I was praying about what career God wanted me to follow in life, and I remember asking God, “If you want me to go into full time ministry, will you let me make a big difference around the world for you.” At that moment, the Holy Spirit spoke right back to me in a crisp, clear way that I have never forgotten. He said, “Judah, I will let you make a difference in this world, if you are willing to pay that price.”

From that moment on, I knew that somehow, somewhere, I would be sharing Christ with people around the world. And I have tried to take every opportunity since to go reach the world for Christ. Sometimes that meant going on missions trips, helping Pastor David in the Hispanic Church or working with youth ministry. I have yet to learn the extent of what “the price to pay” means, but every day I wake up and pray that I will be willing to pay the price for one person to come to Christ.

Question Three: How did you get tied in with Cities of the World and Campus Crusade, Canada (CCC)?

It was after I got back from spending a few months in Peru where I was teaching Christian values in the public schools that I met Norm Schulz who directs one of CCC's newest ministries, “Cities of the World.” Norm was interested in what I had done in Peru and other project I had done for my dad in Guatemala. But more importantly, he came to realize the calling I have to win people to Christ. It was only a week later that I was asked to become part of the Cities of the World team to work on one of the most exiting projects that I have ever seen: Winning Asuncion, Paraguay, to Christ.

Question Four: What has God done to confirm your calling to work with that ministry?

The truth is that when I was asked to start working full time in the ministry with Cities of the World, I was hesitant. I was confident that the three-year strategy in Paraguay has the potential to making an enormous impact on thousands of people. But I had other plans and was working on my finishing my degree in business. Nevertheless, I told CCC that I would pray about joining the Latin America team. I went home that night and lay on the floor and began pleading to God to show me His will. It wasn’t long before the Holy Spirit once again reminded me of the price I needed to pay to make a difference in the world for Him, and I realized that God had prepared me and called me to this ministry. After praying for a week I personally felt at complete peace. But I asked God to confirm that this was his will for me. I threw out a “fleece” to God.

I had not told my dad anything about the offer to work with CCC. Honestly, I didn’t know how he was going to react when I told him that I was considering working in another ministry. However, when I got in touch with him in Guatemala, the first thing he said--before I said anything--was, “Judah, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, 'Campus Crusade, Canada!' God has prepared you your whole life for this. It is what you were created for.” Without any forewarning God used Dad to give me the extra confirmation I needed to take this step of faith.

Question Five: Give us some background on Paraguay. What are the specific challenges and opportunities you’ll face there?

The initial connection was developed when the First Lady of Paraguay attended a Campus Crusade conference in Whistler, British Columbia. There she was exposed to the vision of “Helping you reach your World” and the Cities of the World strategy. After visiting, the First Lady invited Cities of the World to make Asuncion, Paraguay, one of its first target cities where we will help the national leaders accomplish their vision of transforming their city for Christ.

This is not a one-man job. It will need a devoted team of people who also desire to make a difference in the world.

Local leaders have identified the primary need in Paraguay is to strengthen the family. Due to poverty, infidelity and different kinds of abuse, the family unit in Paraguay is continually being weakened. In order to help build the family, and thereby strengthen the country, we will be using many of the Campus Crusade tools involving family, sports, internet and humanitarian aid ministries to reach out to a million people with the love of God. It’s definitely the largest vision I’ve worked in, and it’s going to take a massive amount of people working together, but I am depending on a bigger God who desires the same thing that I desire. To win people to Jesus.

Question Six: What will your responsibilities and duties be in Paraguay?

It’s hard to describe this in a few words, but basically because the team of leaders that will be working in Latin America are all nationals, CCC has a need for a representative in the field who can bridge the fieldwork with CCC headquarters in Langley, B.C. In Paraguay, I will be working alongside Alexis Aquino, the operations leader and a team of local leaders. We will be coordinating pastors and volunteers to head up the various ministries. For example, we will be using 600,000 food packages as a tool that the local Church can use to share Christ with the poor. Besides the actual weeks where we get to give out the food, much administrative work will be needed to coordinate such an effort with the local volunteers and churches. I will be also be communicating to headquarters the extent of impact we are having in the country, and helping develop this new strategy according to the city's needs and culture. Basically, I am CCC's Field Coordinator in Latin America.

Question Seven: When will you leave for Paraguay? What will you be doing until then?

My first “assignment” before I can start working in the field is to develop a support team that can help cover me in my financial and prayer support. This is not a one-man job. It will need a devoted team of people who also desire to make a difference in the world. I consider myself one of a team of people who are giving of themselves in obedience to the Great Commission. My goal is to reach my $2500 monthly budget by January so that I can start working directly in the ministry. Because the Paraguay strategy is already in process it is necessary to get on the mission field as soon as possible. Thanks to Faith Community Church and its member, I have continually met with people who have joined me in this vision. I believe that God has already called specific people to join me in this mission, and I am just trying to get the word out now.

For the next few months and before I head down to South America, I will be involved in some smaller projects out of Langley. I will be coordinating a short-term mission team to Nicaragua and working closely with the Cities of the World strategy team in Canada. This will give me the opportunity to learn how Campus Crusade operates, what ministries we work with and what tools we have to offer to cities once I am based in South America.

For more information, go to Judah's website.

Three Wisemen Christmas Concert

2007-12-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Three Wisemen concert that FCC is hosting this Saturday, December 15th, at 7:00. Last years concert was a huge success as Timothy James Meaney, Brett Williams, and Jon Blackstone entertained us with their tremendous musical ability, as well as quite a bit of humor. This concert is guarenteed to be fun for your entire family, and a great way to celebrate this Christmas season. If you want to see a little bit more about these three, check out their website at www.thethreewisemen.com, but either way, if you have not gotten your tickets yet, be sure to call the office and pre-order some, or we will just see you Saturday night where you can purchase your tickets at the door.

BLESSINGS <><

Update on Lina!

2007-12-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

Those of you who read Seven Questions with KC and Michele Houston, as well as the follow-up post, know what a discouragement it was when the door seemed to slam close on Lina's adoption. Now the door has cracked open, just as we prayed it would.

Bethany Christian Services, the adoption agency, has continued to advocate for Lina and the Houstons. And while officials in Lithuania (Lina's home) continue to have doubts, they have agreed to reconsider. They will soon be considering additional information that Bethany has sent them, information that further demonstrates KC and Michele's suitability as parents for Lina.

Several weeks ago, I wrote of this situation:

So pray with me. Ask God to intervene in a way that defies all human logic. Ask Him to make a statement about His power and His glory, a statement that none will be able to deny. Ask Him to bring Lina to KC and Michele. Ask Him to rescue that 14-year-old Lithuanian orphan.

And many of you did pray. And God has begun to move. But we must not stop praying. God can accomplish this. I believe He will accomplish this . . . if we only pray.

The Next Chapter . . .

2007-10-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

I appreciated the comment Marilyn Gross left at the end of last week's Seven Questions with KC and Michele Houston. She compared following KC, Michele, and Lina's story to reading a good book, and she finished with "Can't wait to read the next chapter!"

The next chapter, however, is a difficult one. Officials in Lina's native Lithuania made a decision that, in human terms, makes it impossible for KC and Michele to adopt Lina. Men have spoken, and they said no.

But . . . there is still another chapter to be written. What is impossible for us is possible with God. And men do not have the final say.

It was shortly after five o'clock on Monday afternoon, and I was trying to get out of my FCC office to grab a bite to eat before heading to Life Group. I was delayed three times--a phone call, the recollection of a task not completed, another phone call. When I finally walked from the office building to my car, Michele pulled up.

Michele doesn't work on Mondays, so I was surprised to see her. If I had been three minutes earlier, I wouldn't have seen her at all. So I waited, and as I she got out of her vehicle, it was apparent that something was wrong.

She'd received word from Bethany Christian Services earlier in the day that the Lithuanian Government rejected their application to adopt Lina. Bethany, the adoption agency KC and Michele are using, had appealed the decision, but the appeal was denied.

God is no less able to accomplish this adoption today than He was before this decision was made

Lithuanian law requires an 18-year age difference between children and their adoptive parents. KC meets that requirement. Michele misses it by a matter of months. The Lithuanian reviewer approved KC and Michele in every other way. In fact, they are now approved to adopt younger children from that country.

But God has placed Lina on their hearts. He has done it in unmistakable ways and confirmed it over and over.

So the questions poured out: Now what will happen to Lina? How is turning her out on the streets next year better than adopting her to loving family, qualified in every way except on one technical point? What do we do now? Where can we turn?

Several months ago, Pastor Tim posed a question from the pulpit: Why don't we see miracles in America on the level we hear about them in other parts of the world? Others, too, have asked this question, both publicly and privately.

Perhaps one reason is that we don't think we need miracles. We don't rely on God's supernatural intervention in our lives. Oh, we wouldn't mind seeing a miracle now and then, but we manage to feed ourselves just fine. We trust in medicine for our health. And when other problems arise, we've become pretty adept at working through them on our own.

Not so in many countries. Many believers don't know where their next meal will come from. Medical problems that are routine in America become debilitating and even deadly elsewhere without God's help. And the problems that they face daily are too overwhelming to even consider tackling alone. So they call on God, and He responds with miracles rarely seen in our country.

Today, we find ourselves in a similar situatution. We may have enough food, and our health care is still better than most. But KC and Michele (and all who choose to bear their burdens with them) are facing a problem with no human solution. At this point, there is no worldly hope to rescue Lina. We are completely dependent on God.

And that's right where He wants us.

This is not a problem for God. God is no less able to accomplish this adoption today than He was before this decision was made. He is in complete control. And I do not believe that everything we've witnessed so far has been an accident. The things we've seen were not coincidences. God has a purpose in all of this, and He is more than capable of seeing it through.

when things looked darkest . . . we called on the Lord, and we saw Him do great and miraculous things

So pray with me. Ask God to intervene in a way that defies all human logic. Ask Him to make a statement about His power and His glory, a statement that none will be able to deny. Ask Him to bring Lina to KC and Michele. Ask Him to rescue that 14-year-old Lithuanian orphan.

Nearly two thousand years ago, Jesus' disciples asked Him why a particular man was born blind. "That the works of God might be displayed in him," Jesus replied. Today we ask why these things are happening, and it really isn't hard to see how God has allowed things to happen in such a way that His works might be displayed in them. Everything is coming together; He is ready to shine. And in one way or another, He will shine!

Be a part of that! Be able to say, at some future time, that when things looked darkest, you were part of the body that prayed, that we called on the Lord, and we saw Him do great and miraculous things.

I don't know how the next chapter reads, but I know the Author. And, like Marilyn, I can't wait!

Ordinary and Extraordinary!

2007-10-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Have you visited FCC's library lately? If not, come check out two recently-added books, both by John MacArthur.

Over the years, MacArthur has ministered to millions as Pastor at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, through his radio ministry, Grace to You, and as the writer of dozens of books.

Read on for overviews of Twelve Ordinary Men and Twelve Extraordinary Women.

Twelve Ordinary Men
Contrary to popular belief, we do not have to be perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples whose many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New Testament. Jesus chose ordinary men - fisherman, tax collectors, political zealots - and turned their weakness into strength, producing greatness from utter uselessness. MacArthur draws principles from Christ's careful, hands-on training of the original twelve disciples for today's modern disciple - you.

Twelve Extraordinary Women
Celebrated for their courage, vision, hospitality, and spiritual giftedness, it's no wonder women were so important to God's plan revealed in the Old and New Testaments. It wasn't their natural qualities that made these women extraordinary but the power of the one true God whom they worshipped and served.

In Twelve Extraordinary Women, you'll learn more than fascinating information about these women, you'll discover-perhaps for the first time-the unmistakable chronology of God's redemptive work in history through their lives. These women were not ancillary to His plan, they were at the very heart of it.

Visit FCC's library today to check out these and other great books.

Seven Questions with KC and Michele Houston

2007-10-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

What do KC and Michele Houston have in common with previous Seven Questions subjects, Paul and Jeannie McKean?

Both have a vision to share the love of Christ with people living outside of their native land.

Paul and Jeannie accomplish this in a big way by reaching out to thousands of expatriates across the globe through their ministry, ExpatAlive. KC and Michele hope to accomplish their vision in an equally important, though very different way. They are working to rescue Lina, a 14-year-old orphan, and bring her from her native Lithuania to their home in Whatcom County. KC and Michele have begun the process to adopt this difficult-to-place child. It's an exciting story, and it's just beginning!

Question 1: How did you first become aware of Lina?

We first became aware of Lina through one of Bethany Christian Services publications.

Question 2: Describe how God worked in your hearts as He has led you in this.

Nearly a year ago we recognized God's call on our lives to serve Him through missions work. We have been praying and seeking wisdom and have begun a process of preparation for whatever God has planned. We have talked to a lot of different people about their experiences in missions and the common thread among all of them was that when you are on the right track you will know.

We decided to take opportunities when He presented them. We trusted that God would tell us if we were on the right track, and if we weren't that He would to teach us what He would have us learn. As many of you know, we took a mission trip to Guatemala last summer. We worked with Dick Rutgers and the Mooney family in their wheelchair ministry. It was an amazing trip and we learned much about God’s love and mercy and the plight of the poor and fatherless.

While in Guatemala, we saw incredible need, and it was clear that there was much we could be doing to help. But we both sensed that Guatemala was not where God wanted us at this time in our lives. I never want to rule things out because God may just want to prepare us further before he sends us back there. But at that moment we knew that God had something else planned for us.

God has provided me with a godly wife who is strong where I am weak, and her faith, not clouded by my fears, has led us to this next step in our journey.

So we continued to wait and prepare. Knowing that we needed to be serving our Lord wherever we were, Michele decided that this year she would like to join me in working with the junior high youth group. And we continued to trust that He would reveal His plan with perfect timing. Then around a month ago Michele came home and showed me a picture of a girl from Lithuania who was in Bethany’s Children of Promise publication. We had always talked about adopting, even in our pre-marriage counseling.

But Lina had just turned 14! My first reaction was "no way!" Even if we could afford the adoption fees, starting a family with a potentially troubled teen girl was not what I had in mind. I tried for a while to talk Michele out of it, but she was hearing the Spirit's leading and continued to believe that we were supposed to be this girl’s family. Finally after working through all my logical arguments it came down to the facts that we can't afford to pay the fees and that we didn't even know if she had already been adopted. I agreed that we could inquire and find out more information about Lina and the process of adoption.

Secretly (in my own fear), I hoped that there was already a loving family who would adopt her before she "ages out" of the orphanage, and that would be God's way of telling us that she was okay. Michele inquired and was told that there was a family already in the adoption process who was going to adopt her. I was happy that Lina was going to be adopted, but I was surprisingly sad that it wasn’t going to be us. I must admit that it was a little confusing because I was asking God to tell us yes or no, and I got the answer I thought I wanted. But I wasn’t happy about it. Two days later the agency emailed and told us that the family who had been looking to adopt Lina had a family crisis and wouldn’t be adopting her after all. If we were interested they would send us the paperwork to start the process. We said yes and are now in the process of adopting.

It took me a little longer than it took Michele to recognize God's plan because sometimes I get bogged down with practicalities like "how am I going to make this work?" This is especially true when I realize that I can’t make it work. Fortunately God has provided me with a godly wife who is strong where I am weak, and her faith, not clouded by my fears, has led us to this next step in our journey following Gods plan for us.

Question 3: As you look back on your lives, how has God prepared you to respond to this calling?

My first experience with adoption was as a youth when my family decided that we would serve God as a foster family. We worked with Bethany and took in newborn babies that were waiting for the adoption paperwork to finish. We had 13 babies during my middle school years and I learned that adoption was a wonderful thing.

I have also been involved in youth ministry for nine years. Most of that time was spent with middle-school-age kids. Michele has also been involved in youth ministry. We were both camp counselors at Camp Firwood.

No one wants to get crushed. And we are well aware that adopting a 14-year-old girl who was abused and abandoned could crush us. But no one ever said walking with God would be easy.

Michele also worked with World Vision after she finished college. She traveled on Christian concert tours promoting child sponsorships. During that time God placed on her heart compassion for the older children. The older a child got, the less likely that they will get picked up for sponsorship. She would see the same faces of young boys time after time that would not get sponsored. She began to rally her volunteers to encourage people who may not be sure who to choose to sponsor the older kids. Adoption is the same way. God placed compassion for older orphans in her heart long ago in preparation for this time in her life.

Question 4: What has the response been like as you’ve shared this calling with friends and family?

The responses we have received have spanned the spectrum. From "Wow, that’s great; here’s $35 to help" to "All the people we have known who adopted older children say that is was the worst decision they ever made."

That last statement was a pretty heavy emotional blow, and I think that God knew we needed encouragement. The next night we were meeting with a couple that have three adopted kids and are in the process of adopting a fourth. They were very excited for us. They shared their experiences and offered to be a support along the way. They were just the blessing we needed.

Overall, the positive responses far outweigh the negative. I am reminded of the well-used analogy of God as the Potter and we are the clay. We can live our lives in fear and tell God "no not me," and I believe he will leave us alone. But if we are going to grow in our faith and relationship with God we have to be willing to be used by Him even if it means we are going to get crushed. God will be faithful and remake us better than before. No one wants to get crushed. And we are well aware that adopting a 14-year-old girl who was abused and abandoned could crush us. But no one ever said walking with God would be easy.

Question 5: I know that you have needed to trust God at every step in this process. What is the next big thing (that the world might call a hurdle or a problem) that you’re trusting God to accomplish?

Everyone we talk to always says, "Don’t worry about the money." Sorry, I can’t help it. I know that we can provide for Lina once she is here but the adoption fees are beyond our ability to manage. We are hoping to apply for grants. And because Lina is a special-needs child (because of her age) we stand a good chance to receive funds. The problem or hurdle is that you can’t apply until you have completed your home study and other paperwork that costs between four and five thousand. God wants us to know that if this happens it is because He made it so.

Question 6: If someone doesn’t intervene in Lina’s life, what does her likely future look like?

We also asked this question. In Lithuania the children can only stay in the orphanage until they are 15. After that, they are given a small amount of money for an apartment or something and put out. 10-20% of the children who age out commit suicide; 70-80% end up on drugs and become criminals or prostitutes; only 10% adjust and become productive members of society.

Question 7: Share with us an example of God’s hand at work in this process.

If you have read this far I think you will agree that God has been at the heart of this process from the very beginning, from Michele not being able to get Lina off her mind to God working on my fears and all the confirmations that He is with us.

Members of our body have already begun to help! FCC has received a couple of finacial gifts designated to aid with this vision. In response, we have set up a designated fund. If you feel led to help, you can do so by writing "Orphan Rescue" on your check or on an envelope and placing your gift in the offering or sending it to the FCC office.

Upcoming Events at FCC

2007-10-24T15:28:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of the things that are happening at FCC over the next several weeks:

Library Grand Re-Opening!

Brenda Sprague has spent the last few weeks overhauling our church library, sorting out some of the old books that haven't been checked out in an age (or, in some cases, ever!) and reorganizing the remaining books. What she's uncovered is a virtual treasure trove of Christian literature and media.

Join us following the Morning Worship Service this Sunday, October 28, for a Grand Re-Opening. Enjoy refreshments and rediscover this valuable resource!

THRiVE! 2007 Women's Conference

How would you rate your relationships, work, health, finances, and most important, your spiritual life? Knowing that there's always room to grow, you can jumpstart that next leap of faith witha a day devoted to realizing your full potential.

Join us November 3, 2007, for a conference for women unlike any other. Live via satellite, speakers including Gary Smalley, Kim McManus, and Shannon Ethridge, will coach you in practical strategies that will equip you to grow, to change, and to become all God wants you to be.

7:00am Coffee Fellowship
7:40am-4:00pm THRiVE! Simulcast
Lunch provided by Pastor David!

Pick up your free tickets this Sunday morning or call the Church office at 360-354-0536. A love offering will be received to help defer the cost of the conference. For more information and a full list of speakers visit the THRiVE! 2007 website.

Samoan Jubilee

All those who traveled with Faith Community Church to Seattle to worship with Jubilee Christian Fellowship last spring know it's an experience like none other. And now it's coming to us!

Join us on Saturday, November 10, 2007, at 6:00pm in FCC's fellowship hall for an evening of food and fellowship--Island style!

Taste the feast, hear the word, and feel the Spirit move.

Monday Night Football

Men! Join Pastor David to cheer on the Seahawks against the 49ers on Monday, November 12, at 5:45pm.

Dinner is provided, and so is the time-out entertainment (courtesy of Pastor Mike). There will be prizes, and, at half time, we'll hear from the Word.

Don't miss this chance to watch the Seahawks on the big screen, fellowship with your brothers, and be challenged in your Christian walk.

Seven Questions with Paul and Jeannie McKean

2007-10-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

Seven Questions is going to be a semi-regular feature in which we sit down with people who are from our body or who are in some way connected with our body. We'll talk with them about their various ministries and vision and discover some of the exciting things God is doing through His people.

Our first edition of Seven Questions focuses on Paul and Jeannie McKean, both of whom are quite involved at Faith Community Church. Among their many ministries to our body, Paul has taught many Adult Sunday School classes (including a current one on the book TrueFaced), and Jeannie plays a key role in Women's Wednesday Morning Bible Studies. But God is using this couple far beyond the borders of Whatcom County, reaching out from their home office in Custer to touch lives across the entire globe on a daily basis.

These two pioneers founded ExpatAlive, a ministry to an often neglected but strategic group of people. And today they took some time to explain to me a little more about what God's been doing and about the vision He has given them.

Question 1: A lot of us have heard you use the term “expatriate” and thought you were saying “ex-patriot” (which would be something completely different). Can you tell us exactly what an expatriate is?

An expatriate is anyone working or serving outside their homeland. This would include missionaries, educators, those involved in medicine, students, business executives, State Department, and military.

In each of their roles they have a unique entrée to the local population. Because they are there to serve and benefit the local schools, health programs, or business ventures (providing jobs), or represent authority from the sending country (consular and embassy) they can speak of the gospel with unusual authority.

They are in a separate community themselves with other expats and as a result can minister to their fellow expat’s needs (family, marriage, and spiritual).

Question 2: So the purpose of ExpatAlive is to minister to these expats, and also to minister through them to those they have influence with around the world. Minister in what ways?

ExpatAlive uses several avenues.

Our ExpatAlive website has biblical resources on it and other tools which help the expats to cope in this new world they find themselves in.

We send out emails to 400 addresses. Our goal is to respond to them within 48 hours. We have been able to phone them directly and have made an effort to connect in person as we have traveled.

Talk about ‘bang for your buck’; the expat community properly trained and challenged are ‘missionaries’ who are funded by their companies and sending organizations.

This summer we contacted those who were back in the US for summer break. Two couples were in the US and in our travels we made a point to go by and visit them and see ways in which we could be available to them.

Question 3: Are there any generalizations you can make about where most expats live? Are there certain countries that have more expats? Do they tend to be in large cities as opposed to smaller towns?

There are 3 million Americans who serve as expats. In the city where we lived there were over 1 million non-Americans who were expats. Americans and Europeans represented another half million.

Expats tend to live in pockets within the city by nationalities. On the whole expats live in major cities, but it is not totally uncommon for them to live in smaller towns. We have friends in Mexico, Italy, and Africa who live in small towns.

Areas that attract expats are in Iceland, Ireland, and throughout Asia, China, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong, Latin America and in larger cities in Africa.

Question 4: Don’t expatriates have their own built-in support system? Aren’t there likely to be other believers who are expatriates working at the same companies? Or don’t they find support with local believers? Why is ExpatAlive needed?

This answer is hard to be specific because conditions vary from location to location. I would say that on the whole you have conflict of interests. Your boss may be the leader of the local international church so you aren’t going to tell what is going on in your heart or family.

Most expatriates have a group of friends but they would be pretty closed about problems; limiting their support system. In most situations the local believers and the expats do not mix because of language and cultural differences.

That’s why we created ExpatAlive We can be a listening ear without being incriminating. You can look at our studies and share your questions without being thought silly.

This young man’s story is all too often what we hear from expats. He has no support system. He is trapped in a job without any one to confide in. He writes to us because we are safe and we will find answers for him.

I am only 24 and moved here for work and because I thought the Lord was leading me here for some reason, but I am not sure why. I have talked to several people who have told me that in this city of more than one million people there is not a single church, which saddens me greatly because I am so craving Christian community and fellowship.

Question 5: If expatriates are spread out all over the globe, and you are, for the most part, here in Washington State, USA, how do you minister to them?

With the internet it doesn’t matter where you are because we can connect where ever in the world people are. Further we have a calling plan that allows us for pennies to call anywhere in the world. We talk to friends in China for 40 minutes and it costs $2.00

As you know Paul has traveled to Asia over the past 2 years, spending a great deal of time among the expats to minister to them on location.

Question 6: That’s exciting! So if I support ExpatAlive, how is that money used?

Our mission with ExpatAlive has been to be a listening ear, share the gospel in a positive format, train and challenge them to reach their fellow expats and the local people with whom they have influence.

ExpatAlive provides tools for this unique group of people. When you support Jeannie and me in this ministry you partner with us to reach the expats globally.

Talk about ‘bang for your buck’; the expat community properly trained and challenged are ‘missionaries’ who are funded by their companies and sending organizations.

Technology and travel are not cheap. We raise our own salaries, all our related expenses, social security tax, medical, business expenses, international calling, and travel.

Question 7: Share a success story with us. Tell us how God was able to use ExpatAlive in an expatriate’s life.

Jon has been an expat most of his adult life. He employs 1200 factory workers and a technical staff of 30. Jon’s deep desire is to share the gospel with these people. His company is in a closed country.

He asked us how he might do that. We were able to offer the Jesus film in the local language for him to discreetly distribute to his workers. What a powerful outreach Jon has to these who would otherwise have not heard.

Jon and his wife began a ‘home church’ with expats. They saw a steady response of 30-35 attend. One of their outreaches has been a marriage encounter weekend to minister to the families and marriages among their expat friends. The home church they planted now is over 600.

Steve and his wife, Kathy (one of Jeannie’s first disciples from 1971 at Illinois State Univ.) live and serve in Russia. Their initial call was to the local population. As we have shared our vision Kathy began to minister to the expat women with whom she associated.

Steve picked up the challenge and has begun to work with the expat men. He recently had a retreat with expat men and Steve’s local disciples so they could share each others burdens.

If time allowed we could tell of account upon account of expats who are making a difference. In fact as a church we support expats from our midst in several countries of the world.

Jeannie and I are grateful to FCC for the generosity and loving care you have shown to us.

Paul and Jeannie McKean
Missionaries of FCC with Campus Crusade for Christ, International

FCC plays a small role in ExpatAlive through prayer and financial support. If you're interested in adding to that in any way, or just want to hear more about this exciting ministry, you can contact Paul and Jeannie at pnjmckeanpnj@yahoo.com

Survey Results from Fall Kick Off

2007-10-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Those of you who were here on Sunday, September 7, 2007, graciously shared your thoughts and opinions with us as we conducted our Fall Kick Off Survey. And the results are in!

We learned a lot of exciting things, and we're eager to share those findings. For instance, as the pie chart to the right shows, the large majority (a total of 72%, in fact!) generally likes our basic evening worship format, either exactly as it is or with a few suggested changes. Those suggestions range from periodic fellowship nights to variations in worship and teaching to offering a service on an evening other than Sunday. Others (22%) favored trying a different format, such as Life Groups on Sunday evenings, and we've already implemented a few Life Groups to meet those needs as well. See the full list of comments on this topic for more insight into the ideas expressed by members of our body. And read on for the results from the whole survey including links to other sets of comments.

*Breakdown by Age*
Survey Takers	Age Group
20	Under 11
57	12-18
35	19-29
47	30-39
66	40-49
47	50-59
30	60-69
18	70-79
5	80 and up

Results

1. Do you have email?

275 Yes
45 No

Do you have access to the internet?

301 Yes
21 No

2. What are your thoughts about us striving to have the morning worship service end by 11:20?

109 No problem for me, that’s perfect
27 That is too long, strive to get out a little earlier
161 Doesn’t matter to me, go however long you need

3. Knowing we will continue to offer a mix of music, how would you classify the style of worship YOU prefer?

107 Contemporary
44 Traditional
175 Don’t care or prefer a mix

4. Do you prefer music that is led by:

94 Guitar
45 Piano
168 Don’t care or prefer a mix

5. Are you willing to put aside your preference and support what’s played each Sunday?

304 Yes
9 No

6. What positive feedback do you have with our current style of worship?

(See comments)

7. What, if any, suggestions do you have in this area?

(See comments)

8. Do you share the vision of our church moving from “maintenance” to “vision” perspective? Remember, maintenance is to stay the same. Keep everyone happy, comfortable, safe, and predictable. Vision is to dream big dreams based on the greatness of God. Move ahead. Take risks! A church with passion for winning people to Christ and teaching, training, and sending them to their mission.

279 Yes
6 No

9. I will commit to pray regularly for our church?

279 Yes
6 No

10. I will commit to pray regularly for our Pastors and their families, Elders, and Deacons?

295 Yes
6 No

11. I recognize the fruit I have to offer this year as an FCC attendee?

185 Yes
21 No

12. Sunday evening service is not well attended, what suggestions do you have regarding Sunday night? (check all that apply):

61 Keep the service as is and do nothing different
46 Offer more Life Groups on Sunday night
92 Focus more fellowship nights on Sunday
14 Do away with it
0 Other ideas

(See comments)

13. This usually is a sensitive topic, but we don’t want to ignore it…We appreciate your financial giving to the ministry of Faith Community Church. In seeking God’s purpose for this church we trust Him to supply the finances to do His work. While we do not want to pressure people to give, we also do not want to forget our responsibility of challenging people to give back to God what He has supplied. With that in mind, are you willing to increase your giving this next year to help in this vision? (No one will be checking on you. This is between you and God. We just want you to think about it…)

(See comments)

Download full survey results by age category as a Microsoft Word document

Providence Christian School FAQ

2007-10-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

What happened?

Providence Christian School needed a place to hold school four days each week. Faith Community Church has a facility that has been largely unused on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. So we invited them to use our campus, beginning this past Monday (September 24).

How did we know God wanted us to do this?

As Providence's director shared the need, the Holy Spirit impressed on Pastor Tim that this was something we were supposed to do. But we know that we need to seek confirmation when we sense the Spirit leading in such things. So Pastor Tim asked Pastor Philip to meet with Providence, and the Spirit moved him in the same way. The rest of the pastoral staff--Pastors Mike, David, and Blake--as well as others in leadership at FCC, have since affirmed this calling.

We also sought confirmation in Scripture, and the Spirit confirmed over and over with passages such as 1 John 3:17, “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” It was apparent that the Spirit expected us to put into practice the sermons Pastor Tim has preached recently on Loving Obedience, and that only by loving God and these children in this practical way could we hope to be obedient to Him.

What was the urgency that required such quick action?

After a lengthy period of interaction and application between Providence and Whatcom County, the county decided to disallow the use of Providence's former location as a school. Just two weeks into the school year, this left 35 children without a place to go to school. This is why action was required within days rather than in weeks or months. We will, of course, continue to evaluate our arrangement and seek God’s leading in how He wants us to proceed as we move forward.

Do they believe what we believe?

Yes. Their Statement of Faith includes all of the tenets of our faith, from the deity of Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross to the infallibility of the Word of God.

What's this going to cost us?

There will be no out-of-pocket expenses to FCC. They are paying us an amount that will easily cover increased utility costs and other expenses. They are also paying for the increased insurance coverage we put in place to cover any potential liability we might incur.

What about wear and tear on the facility?

It's going to happen. Although they've already shown themselves to be respectful and conscientious guests, the reality is that the carpet will wear out earlier, a wall might get dinged, and sooner or later something is going to get broken. But we're confident that God entrusted these resources to us to be used for His Kingdom, and not to be safely buried away for most of the week.

What impact is this going to have on our other ministries?

There will be an impact, there’s no question about it. But it won't be the kind of impact that will prevent any ministry from occurring or even lessen its effectiveness. All ministries--from Bible Studies and other groups to weddings and funerals--will continue to happen. And those ministries that have been most affected have been extremely gracious, often offering to accommodate in ways that go much beyond what will be necessary to make this a successful partnership.